The Policy Book Introduction

Welcome, Staff and Volunteers. This is the Policy Book PLUS!

AARP is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for all as we age. We lead positive social change and deliver value to members through advocacy, service, and information to make things better for society and play a positive role in communities of all kinds. AARP’s public policies serve as the foundation of our work to fight for people 50-plus and help them choose how they live and age.

AARP’s membership represents nearly 38 million Americans age 50 and over. Our members span four generations and reflect a wide range of attitudes, cultures and lifestyles. A growing number of them work full- or part-time because they want to or must. They are business owners, entrepreneurs, teachers, caregivers and community leaders. Some are at the peak of their earning years with comfortable standards of living and others are living alone and struggling with minimal resources. AARP members have many of the same concerns as younger members of our society—particularly around financial security, health care, and the neighborhoods in which they live. Developing public policy recommendations that serve the interests of a group as diverse as 50-plus Americans is a formidable task.

Our challenge is to reimagine the traditional model of aging and take advantage of the wisdom, experience, interests, and contributions that older Americans make to the social capital of the nation. We want an America where people 50-plus have access to the care, information and services they need to lead healthier lives. We seek an America where people 50-plus have the financial resources and opportunities to match their longer life expectancy. We want an America where people 50-plus are seen as an integral and inspirational asset to society. We envision an America where bedrock programs like Social Security and
Medicare
Authorized in 1965 under Title XVIII of the Social Security Act, Medicare provides health insurance coverage for people age 65 and older and for some disabled people under age 65. This federal program consists of Part A (Hospital Insurance), Part B (Supplemental Medical Insurance), Part…
remain strong for all older Americans, as well as their children and grandchildren.

The 2019-2020 Policy Book integrates input from AARP members and all older Americans to develop these policies through a process overseen by the AARP Board of Directors. Read more about the policy development process.